Did you Know There is a Boone And Crockett for Trees?

Almost all hunters know about the Boone and Crockett scoring system for North American big game species. What a lot of them do not know is that there is a scoring system for large trees. What the two scoring systems have in common is that they are both in place for conservation purposes and both systems want to document the largest wild species in North America so the can be preserved and passed down to following generations.

I first found out about the tree scoring system when when I stumbled upon the Facebook page Big Trees Ohio. Their mission is to measure and document big trees across the state of Ohio. They are avid hikers and conservationists, and love to not only find huge trees but share their findings with other.

After looking over their page I became really intrigued and the property where I hunt just happens to have a massive white oak tree on it, so I got in contact with them and had them check it out. I met Jim down the property and got the tree measured.

Ohio Big Trees classifies Trees at three different levels-

Mega tree= between 16′ and 20 feet in circumference

Mammoth tree= between 20′ and 24 feet in circumference

Gigantis tree= Anything over 24 feet in circumference

Our Oak measured in at 20 ft. 2 inches classifying it as a Mammoth tree. Jim also took measurements of the height and crown spread and used that to calculate a final score.

The tree was 243″ in circumference 46′ tall Average crown spread of 120.15

1 point per inch of circumference = 243

1point per foot of height= 46

The average crown of 120.15 and divide by 4 = 30

Total points 319

It is by no means the largest white oak in the state, but it is an impressive representative. We are proud to have this tree on the property and hope we can enjoy it for years to come.

All states have a tree recognition program that is maintained through their department of forestry or similar agency. I want to encourage all hunters and outdoors men if they know of an exceptional tree where they hunt get in contact with a group like a Ohio Big Trees and get it measured.